Winston & Strawn gives new parents 20 weeks off

Winston & Strawn's Chicago office is located in the Leo Burnett Building at 35 W. Wacker Drive.

Winston & Strawn is doing away with gender distinctions in its parental leave policy and raising the number of paid weeks parents can take off to 20.

The policy previously distinguished between "primary" and "secondary" caregivers, with women generally taking the primary caregiver role that was eligible for more time off. The new policy applies to all associates and senior attorneys (a position known as “of counsel”) in Winston's domestic offices. It will take effect immediately, including for new parents currently using leave.

"In order to retain our outstanding performers and recruit the next generation of leaders for the firm, we need to offer the most competitive benefits and invest in our people," Winston Managing Partner Tom Fitzgerald said in a statement.

Previously, the policy offered 18 paid weeks for primary caregivers. Secondary caregivers could take 10 weeks of paid leave and two weeks of unpaid leave. Winston's policy for both groups already was generous compared with most other Chicago law firms.

"If parental leave applies equally to both genders, one gender is not unfairly penalized for having a child," said Jennifer Waters, executive director of the National Association of Women Lawyers in Chicago.

Winston also is creating a support program for lawyers as they prepare to take or return from leave. It will include a parental leave liaison and confidential career coaching services. Also, during "ramp down" and "ramp up" periods, the firm will adjust attorneys' billable hour targets.

The firm "has also enhanced its leave policies for U.S.-based practice attorneys and staff employees," the statement said. Typically, lower-level lawyers and law firm staff do not enjoy the same parental leave benefits as associates on the partner track.